People who have broken, chipped or discolored teeth are often embarrassed and feel self conscious about how they look. Thanks to advances in technology, a variety of cosmetic dental procedures are available that can restore a beautiful smile.
Listed here are the five most common procedures that can help anyone have the beautiful teeth they have always wanted.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is a material that mimics tooth enamel. A thin layer of this material can be attached to the teeth to change their shape and bring symmetry to a crooked smile. Attaching porcelain veneers can correct a variety of problems including broken teeth, chips and excessive wear from a lifetime of eating. They can replace fillings made out of mercury and many people get them to alter the color of their teeth and brighten up the smile.
Many different liquids and food can stain teeth and eventually they will be different shades. Veneers can restore a uniform color and resist stains.
Whitening and Bleaching
Many people are interested in having their teeth restored to a natural white shade. Consumers have a number of different options for whiter teeth including gel tray treatments and specially formulated toothpastes and mouthwashes. There are also a number of procedures than can be provided by a professional in a dental office. Teeth whitening methods are designed to restore teeth to their natural color by dislodging debris and removing food and liquid stains. Bleaching is a procedure that uses bleach to alter the color of the teeth and make them even whiter than they are naturally. Even though the two procedures are different, the terms are often interchanged.
Teeth Bonding
Even people that had straight teeth when they were younger may notice them starting to grow crooked as they grow older. This is a problem that may be fixed with a process known as dental bonding. A bonding material is applied to the tooth. This substance is like plastic and can be sculpted and shaped into any shape. The material is then exposed to a high intensity light. This hardens it and makes it stay securely suck to the tooth. People who have gaps between teeth can have them filled with this process. It is extremely effective and can last for longer than a decade.
Implants
When teeth are missing people often feel embarrassed about their smile. Dental implants are considered cosmetic dental procedures. It is where the root of the tooth is used to support the missing tooth so that the teeth look more natural. The tooth is implanted into the bones of the mouth and they will not fall out. This procedure is much costlier than dentures or bridges, but the tooth implant is relatively permanent once placed in the mouth. Dental implants can help prevent loss of the bones in the jaw.
Invisalign
Teeth that have grown in crooked can be realigned with a dental device known as Invisalign. This device was created to replace more traditional braces. Teeth are slowly shifted until they are lined up with each other. People who have a crowded mouth or protruding teeth can benefit from Invisalign.
Susan Preston is a full-time dental hygienist and part-time writer. For more information on cosmetic dental procedures, visit DentalDigs.com